Identifying annual variations in the spending behavior and economic impacts of day trippers to Sacramento, California, USA

'Day tripper' is an emerging distinct market segment in tourism that has received little attention in research literature. This study analyzes the spending behavior and economic impact of day trippers to Sacramento County, California, USA. An average day tripper is found to be between 39 and 45 years of age and is a self planner with vacation being the main purpose of visit. The results indicate that younger day trippers in the higher income bracket have a higher propensity to spend. Leisure is the main purpose of travel for the majority of the day trippers. Furthermore, day trippers generate significant economic impacts with a maximum contribution from the leisure day trippers. The study findings provide a better understanding of the day tripper market to tourism marketers.